Border Sheepdog Dog Breed (Complete Guide)

Border Sheepdog Overview

The Border Sheepdog is a mixed breed dog, a cross between the Border Collie and Shetland Sheepdog breeds.

Energetic, intelligent, and playful, these pups inherited some of the best traits from both of their parents. These adorable pooches are best suited for homes with yards, as they have a lot of energy.

They also fit in with families of all sizes. These pups have a tendency to be yappy.

If you want an energetic “firecracker” dog who will keep you on your toes, alert you to any potential dangers, and love you unconditionally, the Border Sheepdog may be the right pooch for you!

Border Sheepdog Highlights

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  • Border Sheepdogs are mixed breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog parents.
  • The main colors of the Border Sheepdog are black, blue, Merle, and sable. They can have white and tan markings. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors.
  • These dogs are not known to be a great choice for allergy sufferers but can be fairly easy to groom. A good brushing once a week will probably do.
  • Border Sheepdogs are intelligent and have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one good half-hour- to hour-long walk per day with a few good, active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in.
  • Most Border Sheepdogs tend to be yappy and bark quite a lot. If you want a watchdog who will alert you to anyone who might approach your door, you can’t do much better than the Border Sheepdog.
  • The Border Sheepdog might prefer to be around older children or adults who know how to play gently.
  • Border Sheepdogs aren’t naturally fond of other animals and may prefer to be the solo pet in the household. They can get along with other animals if they’re trained and socialized early.

Border Sheepdog Breed Features & Ratings:

Rated base on a 5 Star Scale
ENERGY LEVEL:                                4 Star
EXERCISE REQUIREMENTS:           4 Star
PLAYFULNESS:                                  5 Star
AFFECTION LEVEL:                           5 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO DOGS:                5 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO OTHER PETS:    5 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO STRANGERS:     5 Star
WATCHFULNESS:                               5 Star
EASE OF TRAINING:                           5 Star
GROOMING REQUIREMENTS:           5 Star
HEAT SENSITIVITY:                              5 Star
VOCALITY                                             5 Star

Border Sheepdog Characteristics:

  • Dog Breed Group:  Working Dogs
  • Height:  Males stand 19 to 22 Females stand 18 to 21 inches
  • Weight:  Male: 35 to 45 pounds Female: 30 to 40 pounds.
  • Life Span: 12 to 15 years
  • Type: Crossbreed
  • AREA OF ORIGIN: Scotland
  • DATE OF ORIGIN: 1800s
  • OTHER NAMES: 
  • Temperament: Smart, Affectionate, Energetic
  • Activities: Training, Jogging, Hiking, Biking
  • Color: Black, Blue, Merle, and Sable
  • Litter Size: 4-8 puppies
  • Puppy Prices: $200 to $500.

Border Sheepdog Health:

The Border Sheepdog is predisposed to the some of the same conditions that the Border Collie and Shetland Sheepdog also face.

While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups.

Some of the more common health problems Border Sheepdogs suffer from include:

  • Von Willebrand’s Disease
  • Patent Ductus Arteriosus
  • Collie Eye Anomaly

Border Sheepdog Grooming:

The Border Sheepdog’s coats are often a mix of Border Collie and Shetland Sheepdog parents’ coats and colors. The main colors of the Border Sheepdog are black, blue, Merle, and sable.

They can have white and tan markings. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors.

The Border Sheepdog’s coats are long and straight, and they’re double-coated to keep them safe and comfortable in the elements.

They are not known to be a great choice for allergy sufferers but can be fairly easy to groom. A good brushing once a week will probably do.

Because of their long coats, the Border Sheepdog might do better in colder weather than hotter weather. Make sure to prepare accordingly for the climate wherever you take them.

Border Sheepdog Training:

Because the Border Sheepdog has extremely active and intelligent parent breeds, he is going to need a lot of physical and mental stimulation throughout the day.

This includes activities such as intense training, jogging, biking, hiking, long walks, and playing a lot of fetch in the yard.

Thankfully, because this breed has a double-coated fur, he will do just fine getting his exercise outside during the winter months.

Be sure that you get your Border Sheepdog plenty of exercise so that he will not become destructive. High energy dogs that don’t have a way to release their energy in a productive way tend to destroy things that you value.

However, if you can spend 1 to 2 hours a day giving your Border Sheepdog good mental and physical stimulation, he will be perfectly content and happy.

On top of this, due to the Border Collie’s herding instincts, without proper training, your Border Sheepdog may end up herding young children, other animals, or adults that do not have authority over him.

Be sure to train for a significant amount of time each day in order to curb these behaviors properly. 

Border Sheepdog Food and Nutrition:

An ideal Border Sheepdog diet should be formulated for a medium-sized breed with high energy.

They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their number of treats, as well.

As with all dogs, the Border Sheepdog’s dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years.

You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Border Sheepdog’s diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs—including weight, energy, and health—to make a specific recommendation.

Border Sheepdog Temperament and Personality:

Combining both personalities of the Border Collie and Shetland Sheepdog gives you a very intelligent and very energetic pooch.

This pup was not meant to laze around the house and needs a lot of exercise to expend their endless energy.

They might rather play games of fetch or go for a run rather than cuddle on the couch inside.

Most Border Sheepdogs tend to be yappy and bark quite a lot. If you want a watchdog who will alert you to anyone who might approach your door, you can’t do much better than the Border Sheepdog.

These dogs are easy to train as they are highly intelligent but will need a consistent and energetic owner to curb any bad habits they might have.

The Border Sheepdog can get very attached to their owner and family and are always eager to please. They do well with children and other animals in the home if properly trained and socialized early.

Border Sheepdog Care/Upkeep:

As with all dogs, you should keep up with your Border Sheepdog’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy.

Border Sheepdog’s are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one good half-hour- to hour-long walk per day with a few good, active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in.

Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. Trim your dog’s nails before they get too long–usually once or twice per month.

Your main concern when it comes to your Border Sheepdog’s care will be maintaining their oral health. You should brush their teeth daily, as most dogs are prone to dental issues.

Your veterinarian can instruct you on how to brush your dog’s teeth properly.

Border Sheepdog Relationship with Children and Other Pets

Because the Border Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog, they can play with overly excited children.

However, the Border Sheepdog might prefer to be around older children or adults who know how to play gently.

That said, for children who learn how to properly approach and play with a medium-sized dog, the Border Sheepdog can make a great, active companion.

When it comes to other pets, the Border Sheepdog can get along with other animals if they are introduced slowly and calmly, and early socialization will help this go smoothly.

It’s best if they get used to other pets early. However, Border Sheepdogs aren’t naturally fond of other animals and may prefer to be the solo pet in the household.

Still, many Border Sheepdogs get along just fine with other dogs and cats, so it really comes down to training, socialization, and the luck of the draw.

Border Sheepdog Names

RankBoy NamesGirl Names
01CharlieMolly
02CooperBella
03TobyCoco
04JackLuna
05BentleyAbbie
06MiloLulu
07OliverZoey
08LouieStella
09LuckyEllie
10CodyPenny

All About Border Sheepdog:

The Border Sheepdog is a mix between the Border Collie and the Shetland Sheepdog. Because this breed is so new, there isn’t a lot of information on its history.

However, we do have a lot of great information about his parent breeds. The Border Collie is a small to medium sized dog that is very athletic and intelligent, typically ranging in a wide variety of colors.

The Shetland Sheepdog is right in the same ball park of the Border Collie when it comes to agility and speed, especially when it comes to agility activities.

This breed is small and athletic, with long flowing fur and bright eyes.

Because the Border Sheepdog has not been around for very long, the appearance and personality will vary greatly depending on which parent breed’s genes are more dominant.

In general, the Border Sheepdog will have an attractive blend of both parent’s attributes; with long fur, tall ears, and multiple varieties of coat colors and markings.

Because both the Border Collie and the Sheltie are high energy working dogs, the Border Sheepdog is more often than not a dog that requires a lot of exercise and tends to do better with a more suburban type lifestyle.

Border Sheepdog History:

Not much is known regarding the exact origin of the Border Sheepdog. However, there is plenty of information regarding their parent breeds, the Border Collie and Shetland Sheepdog.

The Border Collie is one of the most intelligent dog breeds alive today.

They originated between Scotland and England in the 1800s and were bred to help herd flocks.

The Border Collie was admitted to the American Kennel Club in 1995. The Shetland Sheepdog originated from the Shetland Islands and is believed to be a blend from the Pomeranian and Nordic breeds.

They are playful with beautiful wispy fur. They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911.

Where to Adopt Border Sheepdog:

It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Border Sheepdogs because they are a mixed breed.

However, you may want to try Border Collie or Shetland Sheepdog breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:

More Dog Breeds and Further Research:

If you want to adopt or pet a similar breed like Border Sheepdog, take time to read the pros and cons of this similar breed.

Border Sheepdog Fun Facts:

  • They have extreme intelligence and high energy.
  • They do better in cold weather.
  • They adore children.
  • Border Sheepdog does not require daily exercise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Is Border Sheepdog hypoallergenic?

No, this breed is not good for allergy sufferes but they are easy to groom.

What dog breed is mix to have Border Sheepdog.

This breed is a croos between Border Collie and Shetland Sheepdog.

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